HI HB1511

Directs the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council to retain professional research and analysis services to evaluate funding barriers for private for-profit start-up agricultural businesses seeking to finance infrastructure projects.

Requires the evaluation to analyze small business definitions under federal Small Business Administration guidelines, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and county ordinances, and their impact on infrastructure funding access.

Mandates analysis of current loan and grant requirements for agricultural start-ups, existing lender incentives such as tax credits, and potential new transferable tax credits for farming operations based on revenue and property size.

Requires research on funding allocation inequalities between urban and rural farming and assessment of agricultural competence requirements for infrastructure financing.

Council must submit a preliminary report by 30 days before the 2020 regular legislative session and a final report by June 30, 2020, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.